14 April 2021

Website Update

Over the next few weeks we will be updating the information sections of the website. If you are involved in any of the clubs, groups, schools or businesses and would like to amend or change your information or contact details please email the updated information to info@borrisoleigh.ie

 


Appeal for News

This is an appeal to those of you who are involved in various activities (limited as they might be in the current circumstances), not to forget to send us an email with a few lines and maybe a photo or two publicising what you are doing. The regular users of this site (particularly those not on social media) would like to see them and it will help paint a fuller picture of what is taking place in and around Borrisoleigh. We rely on you, the local community, to send us your news.

Thanks,

Borrisoleigh Website Committee


Borrisoleigh Historical Society

In Pallas Street Borrisoleigh

In Pallas Street Borrisoleigh

Beside Thomas MacDonagh Square

Trees grow for 1916 leaders well known

Who died for the cause of liberty

Between the third and twelfth of May

Their souls ascended for all eternity

I walk by in reverence of the trees

That remind me of heroes in Easter Week

The Angelus Bell resound their names

In heaven there sure to be

Like our Lord on the cross

Who died and saved us

To church we go, the trees say “hello”

While walking to school each day

In Pallas Street Borrisoleigh

Where heroes walk with us each day

 

Composed by Derry Bourke

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 1916 Rebellion, a local committee, headed by Mr. Tom Bourke N.T., undertook the planting of sixteen trees to represent each of the sixteen men that were executed. These were planted from the corner of Pallas Street by the chapel wall, up on to the convent. They were enclosed within circular iron cages. Seven of these survive today, three on Pallas Street and four on the Square. Perhaps it is few today who would know the origin or history of those trees.

The same active committee proposed the renaming of some of the town’s streets. This came to fruition two years later when the square was named, MacDonagh Square, Lower Street became Sean Treacy Street, Upper Street changed to O’Connell Street and the section of Pallas Street nearest to the square was renamed Church Street. A link worth mentioning is that Jeremiah Bourke, grandfather of Derry who penned the above poem, was a proposer of Joseph MacDonagh, brother of  1916 proclamation signatory Thomas, when he successfully contested the 1918 general election on behalf of Sinn Fein.

From Borrisoleigh to Pallas Cross

The Watery Lane once gave access to the now lost and forgotten townland of Gurtalahan. At the base of the Dairy Hill, lived one Michael Moloney who features prominently in the local Dochas collection from 1936. At that time Moloney, in his 80’s related many stories of interest that were documented by the local primary school children.

The first question in the old catechism was, – “Who made the world”? to which the answer was, – “God made the world”.  However, a popular cant from bygone years was, – “Who made the world? – Mick Moloney with his spade and shovel”.  

 


Childminder Required

Childminder required in Borrisoleigh area to care for two  11 month old boys from June preferably. Care would need to be provided in childminders home. Part time hours. Must be caring, professional and have childcare experience. Please contact Blanche on 0838543982 for more information. 
 

Pic of the Past

Jim Ryan, Gortalough, Tom Joe Spillane and Terence McCormack pictured in Derry Bourke’s


Your Website Needs You

Committee: Enda Ryan, Noreen Fahy, Marie McGrath, Derry O’Donnell

Many thanks to all those who contributed photographs and news items.

Remember, we need you to continue to send us material so that we can keep our website current and interesting.

Send your email to: info@borrisoleigh.ie

This website is supported by Borrisoleigh Community Development Association.

While we make every effort possible to ensure that the information contained in this Website is accurate and complete, we cannot accept any legal liability as a result of the inaccuracy or incompleteness of the information presented to users of this site. We also reserve the right to edit material for suitability to a website format.

Also, if you like what you see and want to leave a comment, remember to use the Guestbook.